Paul Henry Nankivell, 92, who spent 45 years as part of NIBCO, died Feb. 28 at The Morningside Retirement Community in Fullerton, CA. He went to work for NIBCO in Elkhart, IN, in 1936 as a clerk/typist. As World War II approached, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy Submarine Corps., where he rose to the rank of Chief Petty Officer. He spent most of the war in Pearl Harbor, HI. After World War II, Nankivell returned to NIBCO in Elkhart, where he was mentored by the company’s owner, Ross Martin. During his years there Nankivell was promoted to vice president of sales & marketing and was instrumental in the company’s success in copper fittings and the development of the commercial valve line.

In 1967 he moved with his family to Southern California and established Nankivell/Rollins & Associates, a manufacturers representative for NIBCO. He retired in 1981. He was involved in all facets of the plumbing industry and loved the people he worked with, according to his son, David Nankivell, regional manager at NIBCO. “Throughout his life Paul always had that great sense of humor, hearty laugh and twinkle in his bright blue eyes. He lived a long and happy life and enriched everyone who came to know him,” his son said. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, three sons, four grandchildren, two nephews, three nieces and an aunt.

Links

• NIBCO Inc.